Paisley Pirates turn their attention back to the SNL on Saturday as they travel to face bottom of the table Kilmarnock Storm.
The Pirates completed a 9-4 aggregate victory over Aberdeen last weekend to reach the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup, but with just two points between themselves and Lynx at the top of the table Head Coach Ian Turley has urged his team stay focused as the race for the title reaches its conclusion.
“At this stage of the season every game is a big one and every player has bought into the mindset and has contributed something to the cause, whether it’s been in training or during a game.
“The good thing about all of our games from last Sunday until the end of the season is that every one of them is a cup final for us, with a lot at stake every time we step onto the ice.
“Playing in games where everything is at stake will always bring out the best in players, particularly in the squad we have at the moment, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
“We’re now fully focused on our next big game, which is the short trip to Kilmarnock on Saturday for our penultimate game in the league this season.
“I don’t think I need to spell it out to anyone just how important it is to us to take the points from this match.
“The Storm have had a rough season so far, but they showed the kind of spirit they have by beating North Ayrshire Wild on aggregate in the cup.
“I’ll be reinforcing the message to our boys just how important it is that we play to our capabilities.”
Dundee Comets host Edinburgh Capitals SNL on Saturday hoping to keep up the pressure at the top of the table.
The Comets are five points behind the Pirates with two games in hand and forward Lewis Gold says they are ready to take advantage of any slip-ups by their rivals.
“Saturday’s game is huge for us – Edinburgh are a really unpredictable team they have already beaten us, Aberdeen and Paisley this season, so we’re not taking this fixture lightly,” said Gold.
“We have a lot of confidence in the camp right now after our big win last week in the derby, and also our second and third periods against Paisley the week before where we were unfortunate not to grab the win.
“We have a great bunch of guys this season – no egos or individuals and all focused on the same goal to improve as a team and win trophies.
“Every game is a cup final for us now and our boys are very motivated to make this season special for the Comets.”
WEEKEND FIXTURES
Saturday
Aberdeen Lynx v Dundee Tigers
Dundee Comets v Edinburgh Capitals SNL
Kilmarnock Storm v Paisley Pirates
North Ayrshire Wild v Moray Typhoons
Sunday
North Ayrshire Wild v Kirkcaldy Kestrels
(Image permission: Al Goold Photo)
